Quick and Healthy Snack Preparation

Did you ever wonder why so many people around you stress on the need to cook healthy meals? After all, what is so important about healthy meals? Well the reason is very simple; a healthy and balanced meal prevents us from various diseases like diabetes, obesity, cardiac problems and so on. In case you wish to lead a healthy life, then read on as we discuss some smart cooking ideas to help you prepare healthy meals.

Four Golden Rules: Mentioned below are four golden rules for a healthy cooking which need to be diligently followed

• Storing fresh food correctly and not for long.
• Adopting the preparation methods that avoid the loss of healthy nutrients.
• Cutting down the fat quotient.
• Using some alternatives for sugar.

Rule 1: Storing Fresh Food Correctly And Not For Long

Talking about the first rule first, try to emphasize on storing the fresh food in a correct way and not for too long.

• Remember, that fruits and vegetables lose their nutrition when stored for too long.
• Meat when stored for too long develops bacteria, which is harmful for health.
• Make sure to store vegetables in the veggie compartment of your refrigerator and cover them to save them from excess moisture.
• Store meat in the refrigerator for few days but make sure to mince the meat the day you buy it.

Rule 2: Adopting Key Preparation Methods That Avoid Loss Of Healthy Nutrients

The second step involves the use of healthy preparation methods that keep the healthy nutrients inside the food without any much loss in nutrient value.

• Try not to soak foods for too long, else all the water-soluble nutrients will be lost. Instead wash the food thoroughly for a short time before cooking.
• Also, try to use less water to wash the fruits and vegetables.
• Don’t wash the food after cutting them, wash them before cutting them.
• Instead of cooking or frying, steaming and stewing keep the nutrients intact in food.

Rule 3: Cutting Down The Fat Quotient

Next comes the very important step of cutting down the fat quotient while cooking healthy meals.

• Try not to add additional fat while cooking your meals and try to use low fat products for cooking.
• Using healthy fats like canola, olive and rapeseed oil is recommended for a healthy cooking instead of butter and vegetable oil.
• Instead of deep-frying, go for pan frying or baking your food to cut down the fat quotient.

Rule 4: Using Some Alternatives For Sugar

Eliminating and restricting the use of sugar is the fourth rule for a healthy cooking.

• Instead of using sugar, try using artificial sweeteners that have low calories and taste just like sugar.
• Honey and maple syrups are natural sweeteners and contain less sugar, so you can use them too.
• Remember, that foods like sweet potatoes, corn and yellow pepper are naturally sweet, so don’t add more sugar while cooking them.

So, now we assume that you have learned about the various cooking ideas for preparing healthy meals and live a healthy life.